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06/17/2025
2026 ECA Convention Communication Administration Interest Group Call for Submissions
Call for Submissions
Communication Administration Interest Group
The 117th Annual Convention of the Eastern Communication Association
Emergence
Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA
April 9 – 12, 2026
Submission Deadline: October 19, 2025, 11:59 pm PST
The Communication Administration Interest Group invites submissions for ECA’s 117th Annual Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In recognition of the city’s rich history and evolution, "Emergence" has been chosen as the theme for the 2026 ECA Convention. This theme invites reflection on the emergence of new perspectives, enlightenment, or awakening; the rise of cultural or societal trends, movements, or norms; and the emergence of creative ideas, movements, or transformative works. We encourage those engaged in communication administration at any level (whether formal or informal) to submit programming related to the conference theme. Submissions might address but is not limited to topics such as:
- What ideas, transformative works, and best practices are emerging for communication administrators? How should communication administrators respond?
- What impact do emerging technologies have on communication administration?
- What communication theories might offer emerging insights for the practice of communication administration?
- How can/will/must communication administration emerge in the context of the current political landscape?
- In what ways is the emergence of communication administration nurtured, encouraged, or strengthened? How can these practices be sustained?
- How can communication administrators be responsive to calls for inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in our departments and institutions?
All submissions should be uploaded to and processed through Attendee Interactive. Find the link at https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2601/. Submissions received outside of the Attendee Interactive link will not be considered for acceptance.
Competitive Papers
Abstracts or incomplete papers are not acceptable in this category. Submissions of completed papers should be no more than 25 pages, excluding title page, abstract, references, and appendices. Completed papers should be written in accordance with standards set by the Chicago Manual of Style, the American Psychological Association (APA), or the Modern Language Association (MLA). When submitting a paper, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields:
- Title
- Author/s
- Abstract
- Categories: Indicate if student and/or debut paper.
- Additional Information:
- Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling.
- Documents: Upload Main Document (Must be BLIND. Accepted file types are Word and PDF.)
- At the bottom of the cover page, please include the following statement of professional responsibility: In submitting the attached paper, I/We recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/We agree to present this paper if it is accepted and programmed. I/We further recognize that all who attend and present at ECA’s annual meeting must register and pay required fees.
Program/Panel Proposals
When submitting a panel, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields:
- Title
- Chair/Respondents
- Abstracts: Add individual presentation titles, descriptions, and presenters
- Panel Description
- Rationale
- Documents: Upload any relevant documents. (Must be BLIND. Accepted file types are Word and PDF.)
- In the document, please include the following statement of professional responsibility: In submitting the attached proposal, I/We recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/We agree to present this panel if it is accepted and programmed. I/We further recognize that all who attend and present at ECA’s annual meeting must register and pay required fees.
- Additional Information:
- Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling.
Round Table Discussion Proposals
Submissions in this category should feature five to eight presenters who share brief position papers on a single, focused topic related to Communication Administration. When submitting a round table, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields:
- Title
- Participants: Enter Chair and Featured Expert/s information
- Round Table Description (100 words or less)
- Rationale
- Documents: Upload any relevant documents. (Must be BLIND. Accepted file types are Word and PDF.)
- In the document, please include the following statement of professional responsibility: In submitting the attached proposal, I/We recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/We agree to present if it is accepted and programmed. I/We further recognize that all who attend and present at ECA’s annual meeting must register and pay required fees.
- Additional Information:
- Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling.
- Target Audience: Describe the intended audience, including who would most benefit from attending.
Technology A/V Availability
The 2026 Convention will be fully equipped with technology capabilities. A projector, screen, sound, wireless mouse and slide advancer, and Wi-Fi will be available in all breakout rooms. Presenters must supply their own laptop. Google Slides and PowerPoint templates featuring the convention theme and logo are available on the convention tab of the website. We encourage all attendees to take full advantage of these resources to create engaging presentations!
Please contact the 2026 Communication Administration Interest Group Program Planner, via e-mail, for further information: Timothy J. Brown, Dean of the Arts & Humanities, and Professor of Communication Studies at Eastern University: timothy.brown@eastern.edu
Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2026
